As members of the Greatest Generation, our grandfathers were not only defined by the Depression but also by their heroic service to the country in World War II. Courageous, responsible, and involved, they understand sacrifice, hard work, and how to do whatever is necessary to take care of their loved ones. They also know how to have a rollicking good time.

Sensible, fun, and inspiring, How to Build a Fire offers a rare glimpse into the hearts and minds of grandfathers near and far by sharing their practical skills and sweet stories on how to be stronger, smarter, richer, and happier. Inside are more than one hundred essential step-by-step tips for fixing, leading, prospering, playing, and hosting, including how to

buck up and be brave in the face of adversity

play hard and break in a baseball mitt

bait a hook and catch a big fish

look dapper and tie a perfect tie

get a raise and earn more

write a love letter and kindle romance

change a flat tire and save the day

stand up and give a sparkling toast

play the harmonica and make your own music

Loaded with charming illustrations, good humor, and warm nostalgia, How to Build a Fire is the perfect handbook for guys or gals of any age. The first of its kind, this collection of our grandfathers’ hard-earned wisdom will help you build confidence and get back to what’s really important in life.

Review:In my review of this book's mate, How to Sew a Button: And Other Nifty Things Your Grandmother Knew I stated all my thoughts on how important a series like this is. These books aren't just about our connection with our predecessors, or survival. They are about living and being better through respecting what has come before so that we are ready for the future.

What this book brings to the table what the other book didn't is the voice of the grandfathers. Grandfathers for many people are these amazing patriarchs who have seen everything but don't talk about the ugly aspects, which unfortunately for them, has been a good portion of their lives. (From experience, I find grandmothers are more willing to talk about everything.) The grandmothers showed us how to live and keep the home alive regardless of the trials and tribulations. Our grandfathers now show us what it was like to provide and protect the home in a different way. (I'm all for girl power but the times were different so no one jump on me.) These men show you not only how to keep the home provided for with food and shelter but also how to be a gentleman and a good friend. All these things at some point got lost along the way and too many men and women out there are wishing for these ideas to come back. (I count myself and my new husband among these). I think this is a great book to help!

The greatest thing about these books is that their voices are so clear that it almost seems like the person is talking right to you. Their is so much heart in these pages that the book just about glows. Erin Bried did it again and secured another five rating. Not just for her ability to evoke the grandfathers' voice but also with the selection of how-to's and sense of fun.

My Top Ten for zombie survival tips are:

Aim True: How To Split Firewood

This is important because you can't have a fire without wood and axes don't run out of bullets

Stay Afloat: How to Paddle a Canoe

I live on an island (that if it became zombie ridden we are all screwed) which means canoeing is a really good way to get our of dodge.

Know Your Kingdom: How To Read Animal TracksDelicious, delicious venison. You need to eat and at the same time avoid zombies.

Soldier On: How to be BraveLet's be honest the walking dead is a terrifying concept. I don't care who you are your balls aren't that big.

Switch Hats: How to Leave Work at WorkYou need to know when its time to stop obsessing about what is going on. Sometimes obsessing about a negative thing will just get you killed and annoy the crap out of everyone around you.

Cope Well: How to Handle Bad NewsZombie are all around... If you can't find a way to cope well... good luck!

Command A Room: How to Give a SpeechWe all need someone to give the believable pep talk now and again. Or at the very least a good 80's montage

Circle Up: How to Ask for HelpKnowing when to ask for help in a group trying to survive is probably a good idea because one bad apple can get everyone killed.

Smoke It: How to Make Beef JerkyYou will want to eat in the winter or can't have a fire right?

Pump Iron: How to Season a Cast-Iron SkilletWhoever invented this amazing device deserves a medal. The classic cast-iron skillet can do just about anything and its a great weapon if needed (though I would thoroughly clean and re-season in that case)